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8 reasons to visit South Korea

From classic cuisine to natural landscapes – and trendy cities in between – South Korea should be on every traveller’s radar. Read on for eight of the best reasons to visit South Korea.
Author: Aimee White - SEO Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Date Updated: 8 October 2024
 

South Korea is a relatively unexplored slice of Asia – but it’s about time you added it to your travel wish list. The country seamlessly and attractively juxtaposes over 5,000 years of culture and history with all things hyper-modern. 

Admire modern architecture in Seoul, visit folk villages in Andong and shop-‘til-you-drop at Busan’s markets on our Discover South Korea tour. Yet, South Korea (and our small group tour, for that matter) offers so much more. Here are the eight best reasons to visit South Korea:

  1. Cuisine
  2. Palaces
  3. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
  4. Traditional culture
  5. Modern culture
  6. Seoul
  7. Nature
  8. Busan

1. Cuisine

Experiencing a country’s local cuisine is an essential part of travelling and this is certainly true of any trip to South Korea. Bibimbap, tteok-bokki, a classic Korean barbecue… South Korea’s cuisine is unrivalled. Most meals are accompanied with small side dishes, including kimchi, a pickled and fermented cabbage. 

You’ll find a range of meat, seafood and fish options – South Korea offers plenty of variety for vegetarians, too. The country is also famed for its fried chicken and beer combination - visit a traditional brewery that specialises in makgeolli, a lightly sparkling rice wine. 

2. Palaces

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of Seoul’s five great palaces. This mighty palace was built by the Joseon Dynasty in 1395 and to this day remains the grandest. With a backdrop of Mount Bugaksan shadowing the ornate architecture, this palace emits a truly majestic feel. Gyeonbokgung is steeped in history and watching a changing of the guards ceremony provides a deep insight into South Korean culture.

Other palaces worth visiting in South Korea include Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju, which was the former ancient capital of the Silla kingdom.

3. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The border between North and South Korea is a geo-political barrier that separates the Korean peninsula. One of the last frontiers of the Cold War, the DMZ covers an area where over a million soldiers are posted on each side - the Korean War has never technically or officially ended. 

You can visit the DMZ as part of a group tour, where you will be escorted by the military right into the DMZ and stand at the very edge of one the last remaining Cold War icons. You’ll learn more about this significant part of history, and explore Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum and the Dora Observatory. Most DMZ tours also include a visit to the Third Infiltration Tunnel, which was built by North Korea with the aim to breach the border into South Korea.

4. Traditional culture

South Korea boasts a magnificent traditional culture, and Buyeongdae Viewpoint offers fantastic views of Hahoe, Seokguram Grotto and the Bulguksa Temple, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Get up close and personal with rich cultural heritage at Hahoe Folk Village, where the cobbled alleyways are filled with Josean Dynasty-era thatched roof houses and tile-roofed mansions, and a fascinating mask museum. Learn about Korean Buddhism and the meditative martial art of Sunmudo from monks at a temple visit. 

5. Modern culture

South Korea prides itself on hallyu, or ‘Korean Wave’, a term used to describe the cultural phenomenon the country has experienced over the last few decades. Riveting K-Dramas, exciting K-Pop bands, world-acclaimed skincare… South Korea is just as worth visiting for its modern culture as much as its centuries-old temples and pagodas. 

Check out contemporary art galleries, buzzing nightlife scenes, trendy stores and colourful street art in the likes of Seoul and Busan. Our South Korea tour gives you enough free time to explore the country’s modernity at your leisure.

6. Seoul

Seoul is a wonderfully modern city that provides a stark contrast to the ancient traditional surroundings of the rest of the country. One of the world’s fastest growing cities, this dynamic capital is a fascinating mix of glass towers, historic temples and inviting parks.

The National Museum of Contemporary Korean History explains how South Korea has become an economic powerhouse, while exploring bustling suburbs like Hongdae and Gangnam gives a first-hand insight into this ever-evolving city. 

7. Nature

South Korea is a great destination for lovers of the great outdoors, as it offers plenty in the way of nature walks, mountain hikes and green parks. Trek through Mudeungsan National Park to reach the historic Jeungsimsa Temple, or tackle Namsan Mountain, which is home to 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas.

Coastal scenes await in Busan, where after visiting the beaches and breathing in that fresh sea air, you can reward yourself with endless fresh seafood afterwards.

8. Busan

Situated on the south coast, Busan is a port city renowned for its beaches, seafood and links to the sea. The ‘capital of the south’ of the country, Busan is just as exciting to visit as Seoul – but with its own identity that makes for an unforgettable visit.

Our South Korea itinerary includes Busan, where you’ll visit Gukje Market - one of the city’s oldest markets – as well as Jagalchi Fish Market, which is South Korea’s largest seafood market. One of the highlights of Busan is taking the Busan Sky Capsule which runs 2km along the coast. 

Don't just travel, Explore!

Our small group tour show you the very best of South Korea. Explore cities on walking tours, visit local temples in serene settings and enjoy the scenery in national parks, along with plenty of other chances to scratch beneath the surface of this fascinating Asian country.
View our South Korea tour

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